Associate Professor/Professor

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Faculty of Science

The Department of Molecular & Cell Biology conducts research that is of economic, medical, environmental and social importance to Africa and beyond. Research areas include adaptation to environmental stress, microbiology, bioinformatics and disease in humans, animals and plants. The department offers majors in Biochemistry and Genetics at undergraduate level, and an Honours course in Molecular and Cell Biology.

We invite applications for an Associate Professor/Professor position in biochemistry in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science. The candidate should have an excellent research record in biochemistry.

Requirements:

• A PhD in biochemistry/molecular biology
• A sustained track record of recognised research published in international journals
• A track record of oral presentations at international conferences
• Demonstrated ability to secure research funding from national and/or international grant agencies
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching biochemistry
• Extensive experience in curriculum development in biochemistry
• A track record of successful supervision of graduated MSc and PhD students
• Experience in academic leadership, administration and management

At Professor level:

• Evidence of international recognition of research
• Extensive track record of successful supervision of graduated MSc and PhD students
• Established network of international collaboration
• Sustained leadership experience at Faculty/University level

Responsibilities:

• Design and teach biochemistry content in the MCB undergraduate and Honours courses
• Oversight and development of the curriculum for the major in biochemistry
• Supervise Honours, Masters and Doctoral students
• Establish and maintain a productive research group and attract research funding
• Establish collegiate collaborations with departmental and/or faculty research groups
• Provide academic leadership in the department and Faculty/University

The 2026 annual cost of employment, including benefits are:

• Associate Professor:                         R 1 457 192

• Professor:                                          R 1 805 034

To apply, click the "apply" button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements of the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Teaching and Research statement
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number
• Highest qualification
• ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at abigail.dixon@uct.ac.za or 021 650 1673.             

Closing date:              16 March 2026                                   

Website:                     www.mcb.uct.ac.za

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.